Ready to remodel your basement, but aren’t sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Home Specialists is proud to serve as a basement remodeling contractor in Grand Rapids, MI. As such, our team would be more than happy to guide you through every step of the basement remodeling process.
Remodeling is not a DIY project. For this reason, we always recommend that you hire a basement contractor to handle your job from start to finish. A professional contractor will make sure that your new space is functional, practical, and inviting.
What Is Your Budget?
It’s important that you set up a budget as soon as possible for your basement remodeling project. That way, you’ll be able to manage your expectations for what’s feasible to achieve with your remodeling dollars.
In general, we also recommend that homeowners set aside a portion of their budget for the unexpected. This will provide you with a safety net so your finances don’t get depleted in the event of a delay or complication.
What Matters When Choosing a Contractor?
When homeowners are comparing remodeling contractors, it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid. But the cheapest option doesn’t always translate to the best value. An experienced contractor knows how to anticipate challenges, avoid costly mistakes, and deliver a finished product that adds lasting value to your home.
A high quality remodeler with plenty of experience, won’t always be the cheapest, so it is important to think about it as an investment rather than a cost. Choosing experience over price alone protects both your investment and your peace of mind.
How Much Do You Value Communication in a Contractor?
One of the most important parts of any basement remodeling project is clear communication. A good contractor will be transparent every step of the way. That means giving you realistic timelines, honest pricing, and straightforward answers about what’s possible within your budget.
Homeowners deserve to understand not only the cost of their project, but also why certain choices affect price or timeline. This level of transparency builds trust and ensures that there are no surprises down the road.
How Will You Heat Your Basement in the Winter?
Basements are naturally cool because they’re underground. While this is great during the summer months, your basement may feel uncomfortably cold once the snow flies. For this reason, we may recommend installing ceiling registers if you have central heating. Another alternative would be radiant in-floor heating.
Each basement remodel is different. That’s why you’ll need to consult with our team to determine what heating option is best for your basement.
Do You Need to Move Any Mechanicals?
In general, it’s best to keep any mechanicals in their original locations. These mechanicals may include but are not limited to the water heater and furnace. While it’s possible to move these mechanicals, it’ll increase the overall .
One solution is for us to create a mechanical room. That way, appliances are hidden but still accessible to plumbers and HVAC technicians. Our crew will make sure there’s enough clearance between the walls and mechanicals to perform repairs and maintenance.
Are You Interested in Adding a Bathroom?
Adding a is a great way to increase the value of your home. That way, you can ask for more money when it’s time to sell your house. A basement bathroom is also incredibly convenient, especially if you plan to add another bedroom.
If you plan on selling your house in the near future, potential buyers will appreciate the extra usable space that a basement remodel provides.
Related:Increase Your Home’s Value with Basement Remodeling →
Will You Need to Install Egress Windows?
If you plan to add another bedroom in the basement, you’re required by law to install an egress window. An egress window allows for a person to easily escape in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or gas leak. When you work with a basement remodeling contractor, they’ll have the knowledge and experience to know how to make your remodel code-compliant.
How Can You Improve Basement Lighting?
Need lighting ideas for your basement remodel? Combine various light sources for a layered effect. Install recessed ceiling lights for overall illumination, add task lighting such as lamps or under-cabinet lights for specific activities, and include accent lighting to highlight architectural features or art.
Use brighter, energy-efficient LED bulbs and opt for light colors on walls and floors to reflect light better. If possible, maximize natural light by enlarging windows or adding new ones. This multi-layered approach can transform a dark basement into a bright, welcoming space.
Who Will You Hire for Basement Remodeling?
Don’t underestimate the work involved with basement finishing and remodeling. To achieve the best results for your home and get the most out of your investment, it’s wise to hire a basement remodeling contractor like Home Specialists. Our team is backed by years of experience and would be more than happy to walk you through the process of a basement makeover.
Remodel Your Basement & Transform How You Live
Home Specialists is more than just a basement remodeling contractor in Grand Rapids, MI. We’re also experts in complete home transformations. Our team would be more than happy to walk you through each step of our basement remodeling process so you can make a confident and informed decision for your home. Whether you need a basement remodel or a complete home makeover, call Home Specialists at (616) 453-4552 or request an estimate online to get started.
This blog post has been updated.